Top 10 Atlanta Experiences

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Updated: November 02, 2009

While it’s easy to name the nautical tourist trap (a.k.a. the Aquarium) as a must-do Atlanta experience, we are laying out what the locals like to do instead, because not a lot of us are hittin’ Underground Atlanta on a weekly basis. From the "burger nazi" known as Miss Ann to the World of Coke (left), here are our top 10 local experiences.

Haute-lanta Experiences

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended World Of Coca-Cola
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    121 Baker St, Atlanta, GA 30313 (map)

    There is no more iconic company associated with the city of Atlanta than Coca Cola. The sweet elixir was invented here, and they still operate their worldwide headquarters out of Atlanta. They also make products that happen to go well in cocktails (which we like). The World of Coke not only gives you the history but allows you to sample weird (and sometimes gross) flavors of Coke from other countries. A win-win!

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended TWO urban licks
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    820 Ralph McGill Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30306 (map)

    The most dramatic dining space in Atlanta, Two Urban Licks somehow has stayed cool and continues to keep their trendy-hot vibe even after operating for some 5 years. Swooping ceilings, stunning skyline views and a gourmand-driven, “this-will-impress-your-friends” menu make this a no-brainer for groups, parties and dates. Plus, they have bocce ball in the back courtyard.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Georgia Dome
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    1 Georgia Dome Dr, Atlanta, GA 30313 (map)

    Typically we want to see our sports in the outdoors and have always leaned towards taking in Braves games under sunny skies at the Ted. But the Falcons, lead by super-star heartthrob Matt Ryan, have slowly began to sway our opinion. Sure, they play in the old Dome, but with playoff-style excitement building every Sunday and 72-degree cozy confines, it’s easy to get on board.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average 10 High Club
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    816 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (map)

    Yes, we know we should be telling folks to hit the Fox or the High Musuem, but this is just more fun (and, might we add, cooler). On Monday nights, the 10 High, a basement club in Virginia Highland, does live-band, heavy-metal karaoke, deemed Metalsome Monday. So, go slug a few RB&Vs, get pumped and slay that AC/DC tune that got you through high school. It’ll be one of the coolest experiences of your life.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Ann's Snack Bar
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    1615 Memorial Dr, Atlanta, GA 30317 (map)

    While there is no more purely Atlantan burger spot than the famed Varsity, (and we love it), there is nothing close to the experience at Ann’s Snack Bar. Voted by the "Wall Street Journal" as the Best Hamburger in the US, Miss Ann is likened to the "soup nazi" from "Seinfeld"--she delivers her famous “ghetto burger” only if you’re polite and don’t break her rules.

  6. 6 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Martin Luther King Jr Historic
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    450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (map)

    Because Martin Luther King Jr. is such an international and global icon, sometimes we forget that he called Atlanta his home. And, since we live in such a transient city, it’s important to embrace the history we have. See the house where he grew up, the church where he preached and the exhibits in the visitor's center; it’s an absolutely chilling experience.

  7. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Piedmont Park
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    Piedmont Ave NE and 14th St, Atlanta, GA 30309 (map)

    With the beautiful Midtown skyline as a backdrop, Piedmont Park immediately conjures up comparisons of New York’s Central Park. Besides hosting festivals and outdoor movies, the park is dog-friendly, has fields, walking trails, a state-of-the-art aquatic center and, most importantly, plenty of room to spread out. It’s one of the true crown jewels of Atlanta that is absolutely appreciated by people that live here every day of the year.

  8. 8 3.5 Star Rating: Average Watershed
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    406 W Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 (map)

    Atlanta might have the most underrated culinary scene in the country. But having an "Iron Chef" slayer (Rathbun), the most chefs on season 6 of "Top Chef" (3), and NY restaurateurs opening restaurants here left and right (Craft, BLT, Market), our status is certainly rising. Watershed, a Southern restaurant that boasts a great story to go along with a James Beard award, does a legendary fried-chicken supper on Tuesday nights that has been selling out for years.

  9. 9 4 Star Rating: Recommended Mjq Concourse
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    736 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (map)

    Sure, hip-hop stars, a partying club scene and strip clubs dot our nightscape, but if you want to get an eclectic nightlife experience, MJQ is the answer. Hipsters hit the late-night dance floor and urban break-dancers square off in side rooms while everything from live hip-hop to fuzzed-out noise-rock blasts from its music venue, Drunken Unicorn. It’s tough to categorize, but there’s nothing else like it.

  10. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
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    441 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (map)

    We know it’s hard to believe, but not only did Georgia produce a president but a Democratic president at that! (Times have changed, huh?) While Jimmy Carter remains in Plains, teaching Sunday School and winning Nobel Peace Prizes, there is plenty to see and learn about the only Georgian prez at the Carter complex. We especially like the replica of the Oval Office.